So far this fall I have had to rely on my sonar more than ever to find and locate crappie. They have moved more than ever due to different weather situations. One day they are where I would think they would be then the next day they would be in a totally different place. From shallow to deep, suspended, and sometimes near the bottom. Best advice I can give is if you have sonar learn to use and trust it. If you don't have sonar save your money up and buy the biggest screen and best one you can afford. Crappie(all fish) are fatten up for the winter now so find the shad, minnows, (food) etc. and you will find the fish.